Published: Monday 08th February 2021 | 2.09pm
Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating the love and affection between a couple. This will not be the case for some men and women living in Cannock Chase District this Valentine’s Day.
For some men and women, this Valentine’s will just be like any other day.
Cannock Chase Council has joined forces with Staffordshire Police and New Era Domestic Abuse Service for Staffordshire to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Across Cannock Chase District reports of domestic abuse predominantly involve a female victim; however, men can suffer domestic abuse too. Male abuse is extremely under reported.
The campaign named ‘Valentine’s is just another day…..’ is part of a wider initiative - It’s Never OK that aims to reduce the number of domestic and sexual violence incidents as well as encouraging victims, both men and women to report their abuse.
The valentine’s campaign will portray images based around love and romantic poetry but with the addition of a shocking twist. This has been portrayed using a blooded red rose with a sinister greeting card.
Campaign messages will be promoted using online advertising via the Council’s website and social media platforms.
The campaign encourages victims, individuals and families who have concerns to report abuse and get support from New Era’s Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 303 3778 or access their 24/7 live chat facility at www.new-era.uk
The campaign also encourages perpetrators of domestic abuse to get help from New Era Domestic Abuse Service on 01785 601690, an organisation which offers specialist domestic violence prevention services.
A full list of domestic abuse support services are available to access from the Council’s website.
Councillor Alan Pearson, Leader of Crime and Partnerships, said: “Domestic abuse is completely unacceptable at any time of the year, and tackling this issue is one of the top priorities for the Council.
“This campaign sends out an extremely strong message that we need to act now to prevent domestic abuse. Often victims of domestic abuse suffer in silence.
“It’s never ok and there is no excuse that is acceptable. We would encourage any victim to take the first steps to free themselves from abuse by reporting it and seeking help”.
Chantelle Thompson, New Era’s head of service, said: “If you’re in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, this time of year can be more challenging than normal, as people feel under pressure to behave in a certain way and sometimes to do things they might not want to. Added to that, we already know from the work we’ve been doing to support local people how the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing added pressures for many couples and families.
“Although the majority of victims supported by New Era are women, the reality is that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, in any kind of close relationship. That’s why we have dedicated specialists working exclusively with male victims, as well as members of the LGBT+ and Black Asian and Ethnic Minority communities. We urge anyone in the Cannock area – and elsewhere in Staffordshire – affected by domestic abuse to get in touch.”
Chief Inspector Becky Hyde of Cannock Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “For people experiencing domestic abuse, every day can be unpredictable, unsafe and frightening.
“Valentine’s Day is no exception.
“As a force, we are continuing to support survivors of domestic abuse to seek support and protection so they can live their lives without fear and report incidents safely.
“We are also encouraging perpetrators to engage with services so they can be assisted in rehabilitation programs and receive other support where appropriate.
“I would encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse to report it to us.
“You are not alone and we, as well as our community partners, will do all we can to help you keep safe and away from harm across Cannock and Staffordshire this Valentine’s Day and beyond.”
If you would like further information about the ‘It’s Never OK’ campaign visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/itsneverok